NSF Releases Merit Review Digest and SED, FABBS Submits Comments on Strategic Plan

February 16, 2021

Each year the National Science Foundation (NSF) prepares an analysis of the merit review process for the National Science Board (NSB). The digest  shows that in 2019, 4,262 proposals (for $2.8 billion) that were rated “Very Good” or higher had to be declined. The digest also contains a description of the merit review process, funding rates, types of proposals, statistics of underrepresented groups with proposals, and award distribution.

NSF has also released

OBSSR Working Groups Featured at NIH Council of Councils

February 3, 2021

The NIH Council of Councils met virtually on January 29 with the behavioral and social sciences prominent on the agenda. A recording of the meeting is available on NIH Video Cast.

The Council is made up of 27 members, selected from NIH Institutes and Centers (IC) Advisory Councils, representatives nominated by the Office of the Director program offices, and broad lay representation. The purpose of the Council is to advise the NIH Director on matters related to the

FABBS Endorses Science and Technology Action Plan

February 3, 2021

The Science & Technology Action Committee is a nonpartisan coalition of non-profit, academic, foundation, and corporate leaders working to dramatically strengthen the U.S. science and technology infrastructure. The Committee released a three-step action plan to accomplish this goal. FABBS has endorsed it.

The three bold actions to advance science and technology in the United States include:

S&T Leadership – Elevate the director of the Office of Science and

President Biden Announced Key Picks for OSTP and PCAST

January 21, 2021

Days before taking office, then President-Elect Biden announced appointments to the Office of Science Policy and Technology (OSTP) and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The timing of these appointments demonstrates a strong interest in and commitment to science in the next administration. Under the previous administration, the position of OSTP Director sat empty for nearly two years. Acting quickly to make OSTP appointments was a